Obliviate (Hogwarts Legacy Sequel Feat. Dark!Sebastian Sallow)

15 - The Road to Freedom

Poppy Sweeting cleared her throat, wiping away a couple of tears before announcing, "I would like to welcome you to this celebration of the life of Quincy Jerome Bartholomew Sweeting, who entered into rest at the hands of a Dark wizard earlier this month." A few nifflers, hippogriffs, mooncalves and other magical beasts surrounded you and Ominis, watching with intent as the magizoologist continued to speak. "I would also like to thank you for gathering today, as life does not slow down for any man, woman, child, nor creature," she paused, sniffling, "but it sure as hell does prematurely stop for some."

Ominis' shoulder touched yours, his eyebrows contorted by feelings of sorrow.

"Quincy was one of the smartest creatures I knew. It's thanks to him that Hogwarts now has its mysterious Dark Arts book back where it belongs: in the Restricted Section of the library. While he had his thieving habits, Quincy was more than just another niffler to us all. He was family."

Poppy stepped forward, taking your hand in hers and standing opposite of Ominis.

"Rest in peace, little one," she concluded, respectfully bowing her head in the direction of the minuscule tombstone before the three of you. "We will never forget your sacrifice."

Rest in peace, my friend.

—

Both you and Ominis traveled to the North Sea, passing by the graveyard which accompanied Azkaban. You approached the security desk, allowing your wand to rest on a weight scale.

You couldn't help but notice the guard behind the desk, as he looked like death reincarnate. Black circles, like bruises, encased the area underneath his dark eyes, skin as pale as the winter snow decorating his wrinkly complexion. After handing over your wand, Ominis was to follow suit. "Next," the seemingly undead man said, his eerie gaze landing on Ominis. Your companion did the same, turning in his wand as well. "Go on in," the guard told you. "And tread lightly."

Six months had passed since the Sebastian Sallow ordeal.

It was high time you go and check on his status.

Ominis had visited once or twice before, but you couldn't bring yourself to until now.

"Hey," Ominis' voice sliced through your nervous thoughts. "What exactly did you do to him?"

"I told you," you repeated. He'd asked this question before. "I used my ancient magic."

"That's always your answer, but I know there's more to it." Aside from the wailing of prisoners and dementors, there was a moment of silence between the two of you. "Please."

You swallowed thickly. "I only did to him what he requested I do to Anne. He didn't understand what that meant at the time."

"That's rather cryptic, dear."

"I removed his pain," you finally stated, tightening your fists.

He thought for a moment, his countenance accessorized by pensiveness. "Intriguing," he eventually commented. "This is it."

You finally reached Sebastian's cell, and unlike most other prisoners, he wasn't at the door reaching toward any viable wizard begging for a way out. Rather, he was sitting on the side of the bed, elbows resting on both knees, possessing a blank stare veiled by emptiness. He didn't acknowledge either of you, hauntingly breathing ever so calmly.

"He's been like that every time I've come, and now it makes sense," Ominis explained. "I believe pain is what makes us who we are. It's just a matter of how we receive and respond to it. Now, I can't exactly see him, especially without my wand, but I know he's there. Feel free to have a good look."